By Matt McCurrach, CHBA President
In May, industry leaders from across Canada came together in Victoria for CHBA’s annual Home Building Week in Canada. Productive meetings and exciting events took place throughout the week, from advancing the Association’s priorities during CHBA’s pre-conference meetings to hearing inspiring speakers and celebrating the achievements of our membership and industry during the conference itself.
During the first half of the week, I participated in the pre-conference national Committee and Council meetings where members gained insights into the homebuilding environment across the country. The breadth of what we tackle at these meetings (and the impact we have) continues to astound me, in this case from code changes that are affecting (or will affect) how we build, to how the federal government can de-risk investments in factory-built technologies, to strategies local and provincial HBAs can use to push their municipalities to create better housing and growth policies, and more.
Women in Residential Construction
I also had the chance to listen in on the inaugural meeting of CHBA’s Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC), chaired by our CHBA Past President Sue Wastell. With labour shortages plaguing our sector, we as an industry must take an all-hands-on-deck approach to create opportunities in our sector for people from all walks of life, including women. The WIRCC is a welcome first step in championing the voices of leading women in the industry at a national level, and it was great to see so many in attendance supporting the new Council. The energy in that room was amazing. I look forward to hearing more of their unique perspectives about how we can show up for women in our industry and implement long-lasting solutions so that one day we can close the gender gap.
During the second half of the week, we celebrated our leaders, members and industry during the conference portion of Home Building Week. Through the CHBA Association Leadership Awards, we recognized the incredible work of our volunteer members and the outstanding leadership shown by our local and provincial HBAs and their Executive Officers. Read more on page 23.
We also celebrated the best in our industry at the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence during the reimagined Glitter & Groove Awards Bash. This year, CHBA ditched assigned seating in favour of an upscale club vibe, and was it ever a blast. Every year, I’m always super impressed by the work members enter in the national awards and this year was no different. We saw beautiful projects from the entire scope of our industry, including functional entry-level units, luxury renovations, master-planned communities and innovative marketing campaigns. Once again, I’d like to say congratulations to all the winners, who you can find listed on page 15.
Preparing for 2026
As usual, CHBA Home Building Week in Canada was a great week of both business and fun. I hope to see you all at next year’s event in Quebec City, from May 4 to 8, 2026.
With my term ending in August, this is my last message to you as CHBA President. I had a wonderful time visiting with all of you and taking your issues and priorities back to our national Association. Hearing from you really helped CHBA’s advocacy over the last few years, and I’m grateful that you allowed me to pass along your experiences and perspectives. My term ending feels bittersweet, but in September, Curtis Mercer, president and CEO of K&P Contracting in Newfoundland, will assume the role of CHBA President. I’ve known and worked with Curtis for many years on CHBA’s national Executive Committee, and it’s because of the association that I can now call him a colleague and friend. I promise that we are in good hands. I look forward to continuing my work with the association as Past President on the Executive Committee under his leadership.
I’m glad that I get to close out the final months of my post meeting with many of you at your local and provincial HBA events. If I don’t get the chance to see you this summer, rest assured, I will be around for a while yet. You’re welcome to reach out to me anytime. Until then, I wish you all success in the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
